All aboard? Okaloosa Commission wants return of passenger rail for Florida Panhandle

CRESTVIEW — On Oct. 1, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners took the first step toward possibly returning railroad service to the county.

The commission approved a letter of request to be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the president-speaker of the Florida Senate and House urging elected leaders to join the Southern Rail Commission (SRC), which will allow all parties to explore the restoration of passenger rail service in the Florida Panhandle.

Formed in 1982 by the 97th Congress through an Interstate Rail Compact, the SRC helps provide reliable transportation methods for people and goods. It aims to enhance economic development along rail corridors, provide transportation choices and facilitate emergency services.

Currently, the SRC consists of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Contiguous states like Florida can become members. In the letter, commission Chairman Paul Mixon stated that having Florida join the multi-party effort could allow more study, planning, and perhaps federal funding for rail services that would benefit residents and businesses.

Mixon notes that rail service in North Florida connects the rest of the state and nation and will also aid economic development, reduce traffic and improve quality of life.

Earlier this year, the Federal Railroad Administration identified 15 conceptual routes to enhance passenger rail service in the United States. One of these new routes was connecting Dallas and Miami, making stops in eight other Florida cities. Mixon believes that by becoming an SRC member, Florida's use of a regional partnership with other members could allow the use of requesting federal funds to make the route come to fruition.

This process was highlighted by a grant approval in September 2023 of $178 million in federal funds for a new passenger rail service route from New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama.

"We recognize the complexities involved in implementing passenger rail service and the need for federal funding, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement," said Mixon. "However, the potential benefits far outweigh the challenges. As such, we respectfully urge you to initiate the process of joining the Southern Rail Commission."

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: All aboard? Okaloosa Commission wants return of passenger rail for Florida Panhandle